The National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) has commenced the 2026 selection and placement of qualified candidates into State and Technical Colleges nationwide. The Registrar and Chief Executive of NABTEB, Dr Mohammed Aminu, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja.

A total of 15,290 candidates had earlier registered for the entrance examination, while 13,848 candidates eventually sat for the test nationwide. Of these, 10,426 candidates, representing 75.29%, obtained scores of 50% and above, while 5,708 candidates, representing 41.22%, scored at least 70%.

Aminu described the exercise as a critical stage in the admission process designed to ensure that qualified candidates are fairly and transparently placed into Technical Colleges across the country. He stated, "Today's exercise marks one of the most critical stages in the admission process into our Technical Colleges. It is the bridge between assessment and admission, ensuring that qualified candidates who sat for the 2026 National Common Entrance Examination are fairly, transparently and appropriately placed in accordance with the admission guidelines approved by the Federal Ministry of Education."

The NABTEB Registrar stressed that admissions would be guided by merit, equity, accountability, transparency and the Federal Character Principle, and urged members of the selection committee to discharge their responsibilities with integrity and impartiality. He noted, "The success of the National Common Entrance Examination can only be fully realised when it is followed by a transparent, credible and objective selection and placement process."

Aminu highlighted improvements in the conduct of the examination, disclosing that NABTEB successfully deployed computer based testing, enhanced digital result processing and an AI powered aptitude placement system to improve efficiency and transparency. He described Technical Colleges as centres for innovation and entrepreneurship rather than institutions of second choice, stressing that strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training remains critical to producing skilled technicians, artisans and technologists capable of driving Nigeria's industrialisation.

The Registrar commended the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, for championing reforms aimed at repositioning technical education, and called on governments, school administrators, parents, communities and development partners to intensify advocacy for technical education. The Federal Government has in recent years expanded enrolment into Federal Technical Colleges, introduced a revised TVET curriculum and strengthened industry partnerships as part of its wider education reform agenda.